The famous English language bookstore in Paris captured my heart with just one glance.
Unfortunately, I have not seen it in person, but I could not help noticing it while watching Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris.
Oh, how I'd love to get lost in such a place.
So many books, so little time.
Wisdom is written on the walls of our hearts and apparently on the walls of this special place.
I'm not sure if the following three pictures are of the same nook throughout the years, but George Whitman (the bookstore's proprietor who passed away in 1998) provided food and shelter not only for aspiring writers, but for troubled teenagers.
The pinboard in the back includes notes from visitors from around the world, including some of the angels he took in and their families. :)
If you take a close look at the top of the pinboard in this photo, you can read the words "angels in disguise."
Hebrews 13:2 |
Isn't this a beautiful artistic depiction?
Illustration by Liudmila Kondakova, artist
I'm thinking of occasionally showcasing bookstores here at the shop, maybe include some local ones too. If you know of any or have a favorite in your area, I'd love to show them off too.
Of course, I could not resist a little creative gift to go along with all those dreamy nooks and books.
Congratulations to Norma of TheFairyyellowbugQueen
Some pinks here and there in this post so I cannot resist linking with Beverly's PINK SATURDAY after such a long break. Happy pinks, pinkies!
Images via Pinterest
Paper art images ©2013 The Shop Around the Corner
Hi Marcia!
ReplyDeleteI visited Shakespeare & Company 3 years ago. It is indeed a magical place. While browsing through the countless books someone was playing the piano upstairs.
Great post! :)
Evi, I'm so jealous. ;)
DeleteDear Marcia,
ReplyDeleteOh this is just BOOK HEAVEN! So many layers to this quaint shop... Love the angel wings!
Thank you so much for sharing this.. George Whitman was a true angel to take in these dear souls and their families.
Love and blessings my friend,
Penny
Powell's in Portland is like that, but I'm hoping to see Shakespeare & Company when I go to Paris this year in the fall. Besides the bakeries, I love to wonder through book stores, XOXO
ReplyDeleteI read about the bookshop when the owner passed away. I think a family member actually took over. Thank you for reminding me about it. I love stories about old bookstores. 84 Charing Cross Road is one of my all time favorites and a more recent is Shadow of the Wind which takes place in Spain.
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw your name, Marcia, at the bottom of your comments section I had to smile. My sister, who works in London and Paris frequently, is named Marcia. She visits Shakespeare and Company whenever she can.
:)
DeleteWhat pretty tags you've made my friend. Bookstores inspire me, too! My hubby and I have traveled to Saratoga Springs a few times in the Fall and always spend time at an old bookstore downtown. It has lots of rooms to meander through and get lost in time. It's one of our favorite ways to spend an afternoon. Sweet hugs!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful old place and what a wonderful man to have taken in those that needed caretaking at the time. I think he was an angel in disguise himself- xo Diana
ReplyDeleteMarcia,
ReplyDeleteI hope you get a chance to go see it in person. It looks just like that and if you turn around Notre Dame is standing right in front of you. When I was living in Versailles, I like to go there and just listen to people speaking English. ;) It helped when I was feeling less homesick. Your bookmark wings are so pretty!! So sweet and perfect for the bookstore post :)
Karen
I love everything about this magic bookstore and especially that little nook with the typewriter on the desk. And that daybed/reading spot. I'd nap, read, nap, read, nap, read, drink tea, nap, read...please enter my name in for a chance on the wings. Love them. Love your post. Hugs, Norma, x
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, Marcia! I missed in when I was in Paris, but I shall look for it again! I love the written word, and books are my favourite companions. I heard an interview on the CBC last year given by the owner's daughter, I believe she is now the proprietress. We have a similar treasure spot here, called Hannalore Hedley Books, charming and very similar feel....I love going there ! N.xo
ReplyDeleteGood morning special friend,
ReplyDeleteI am always a day late since I only do my visits in the morning, but what an enchanting morning this is. I discovered this fabulous shop our LAST DAY in Paris. I could not get enough from it but what I did buy from there, I devoured on our plan trip back home.
Those winged tags are just exquisite. LOVE LOVE EVERYTHING you come up with my sweet. YOU are an angel. Anita
Thank you for this lovely tour of Shakepeare and Co. I have been to Paris many times but only recently found out about this wonderful bookstore - top of my list for my next trip. hopefully soon!)
ReplyDeletehttp://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/
Thank you for the tour. At first glance I thought it was the actual site of the shop around the corner in new york. Haha, I am so naive! What a fun little book store! If we find a book store near us, should we link up to you?
ReplyDeleteNo linking needed, ShoeLady, it's an ongoing series so just mention one and I might cover it next with a link and a mention of your blog of course. Thx.
DeleteHello sweet friend, I'm loving your header today! I feel so luck to say I've been to this famous book store! It is just as your photos reveal, such a special place. If I ever get to Paris again I plan to go here again. I have to say those are the sweetest bookmark tags I've ever seen! You have such a special touch when you sit at your desk, always come away with creative art! What a lovely scripture verse for this post, and in the bookstore. Blessings to you today dear Marcia. Hope you are settling into your new home with ease...................
ReplyDelete~Emily
The French Hutch
Your lovely bookmarks are pictured in front of one of my all time favorite storybook Characters POOH!!!! The Shakespear and Co. book shop looks like heaven. I especially got a tickle looking and the wee typwriter nook.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day.
Always, Queenie
Oh, I am in love! Is this book shoppe really in your neighbourhood? Goodness, will you adopt me? (need only a spot to rest my head from time to time and a wee bite to eat...I could stay in the shoppe forever!)
ReplyDeleteBlessings Friend and thanks for sharing your dreams,
Oh, I wish it was in my neighborhood, Noelle. Better yet, I wish my neighborhood was where this bookshop is. It's in Paris. :) I may include some local ones in future posts.
DeleteHi Marcia, I really enjoyed this post. I love the bookstore. The special nook and those worn steps in the shop say it all. Hugs, Linda
ReplyDeleteHi Marcia, I loved this post! My husband and I are actually going to Pairs in March for our honeymoon. I am a literature lover--I'm actually finishing up my Ph.D. in English this year--and I have made definite plans to visit Shakespeare and Co. while we're in the City of Light. I loved your pictures of that special nook that housed travelers and troubled teens, and I do believe that many strangers are, indeed, angels in disguise. We should be kind and caring to all we meet. Thank you for a beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteLove, Nel at Red Rose Alley
Hi Marcia,
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting and leaving a sweet comment - I do appreciate it.
I have been enchanted with your blog since the moment I arrived - it truly is delightful here :)
I LOVE books and I feel like I am being surrounded by beautiful books with your pictures.
I am now following you and I definitely look forward to future visits :)
Happy weekend!
Hugs,
Stephanie
theenchantingrose.blogspot.com
Hey, Marcia. How are you doing? Have you gotten settled in your new home, yet? This post is exquisite (as always). So nostalgic. Yes, do post some small book shops. It's wonderful to see. I love books myself so it's interesting to see book places. I love libraries and new book stores also. Your friend, Linda
ReplyDeleteBonjour ma belle!
ReplyDeleteMerci d'être venue chez moi; it is always a wonderful feeling to see YOUR comment on my post. May this day be a peaceful one for you and your family. LOVE TO YOU ALWAYS! Anita
What a cool bookstore! Thank you for sharing your visit! O love your blog and am a new follower!
ReplyDeleteWow is marvelous, I love the bookstore. Kisses from Spain.
ReplyDeletehttp://redecoratelg.blogspot.com.es/
What a great post - the painting of the book shop is awesome. I loved the first photograph of the stairs (worn!) and the piano but the second one was neat ... descending the worn stairs. Very neat feature. And cute music to go w/it of course! Always goose bumps w/the photos and music! Thanks! Happy Pink Saturday! jENN
ReplyDeleteps the angel wings are adorable - that's what drew me to the post too. I meant to mention them in the previous comment and forgot. :) Jenn
ReplyDeleteHi Marcia, thank you so much for stopping by TVN blog. And good luck on winning the strawberry candy canes. Aren't they wonderful? I love the green chair and just imagine settling in it to peruse a book or two and don't you love the wear on the steps. Just imagine how many footsteps have been there. HPS
ReplyDeleteHi Marcia!
ReplyDeleteHow I love stopping by your delightful blog. I am so happy to have discovered you one day last Fall. Each time I visit I leave with an extra lift to my spirit. Your blog is a stroke of genius...Your personality comes through in such a sweet way.
My husband has been to Paris a number of times on business...How I would love to join him solely to be able to visit this charming bookshop.
I love the sweet little angel's wings. I have often how many times I have entertained angels unaware...One day God will reveal that to us and we will rejoice in His goodness and incredible watchcare over us!
Have a wonderful weekend, my friend.
Blessings,
Carolynn
We're still waiting for our grandbaby to make his appearance. Mommy is one week overdue and ready to pop. Doctor says baby is ok just taking his time.
OOOOOPS...."I have, often, WONDERED..." (missed that word)
ReplyDeleteSmiles,
Carolynn xo
Thanks for the visit tonite!
ReplyDeleteThere sure are lots of books and things to look at and lots of nooks and crannies in this shop!
I used to have lots of Tea Parties with Church Ladies and friends, but since we don't belong to that church anymore...every single person we thought were our friends have had nothing to do with us. And since I've been here 7 years and haven't worked outside the house...those people were the friends I had. So sad when they turn away, just because you feel God leading you elsewhere. Oh well. I have friends here in Blogland...and perhaps I'll have to have a Blog Tea Party!!!
Hugs,
Jan
Marcia, I think we are kindred spirits. Shakespeare is one of my favorite places and I have had the in-person pleasure of whiling away hours there. I'm going to take some time and explore your fabulous blog. Will be in touch and so glad we've met.
ReplyDeleteYou would have to literally drag me out of that store!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing it with all of us.
Happy Pink Saturday,
Erica
What an amazing magical little nook of a book store. It always inspires me to be a better person to hear of others that have done such nice things and all the angels in disguise that must be among us
ReplyDelete-KAT-
I absolutely love this shop! Awesome pics...thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteTHat's a lot of books!
ReplyDeleteCatching up with PINK Saturday entries.
My PINK
Have a great week ahead.
Ahhhhh! Loving your selection of music always! Hope you have a great day today. I've began mine here enjoying and lingering to hear a little more. I'll have a little skip in my walk today for sure............
ReplyDelete~Emily
The French Hutch
Oh how I wish that pedophile hadn't made this movie. I would have wanted to see it. But there should be no loop holes for abusers in this world, even if Hollywood protects all of them.
ReplyDeleteMy dear Ms. M., so good to see your name pop up at the shop. Although I understand your personal conviction regarding Mr. Woody Allen, my personal conviction is that good will ALWAYS outshine evil, and it is the position I take with all my choices. I leave Mr. Allen's heart to the only One who can mend it, and I will certainly not deprive myself due to his mistakes. That would give evil too much pleasure.
DeleteHugs
I LOVE this post and want to be inside those photos! sigh. sigh. sigh.
ReplyDeleteWe used to have a great used bookstore in Duluth where things were poorly organized but it was a blast to go there and search through their amazing inventory. Did I say I wanted to be inside those photos?? :-) I'm your newest follower. Hope you can follow back.
I've gotta tell you, You've Got Mail is one of the handful of movies that made me cry. I loved that last 'group hug' scene. :-) arf.
ReplyDeleteI so adore this post. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI tried to follow this blog...but it says I'm blocked? So...I've signed up for Email updates instead, no worries!
I'm suddenly in the mood to watch 'you've got mail' tonight!
ciao bella
Carmelina
So sorry, Carmelina. I'll look into it.
DeleteHappy Monday, dear Angelic Friend!!
ReplyDeleteHow are you?
I have missed visiting you...fighting off a bit of an icky cold...but how this post makes me feel warm and cozy...
I love seeing photos of this place, and the very special souls who bring it to life with such love...
How I would relish spending a weekend there! :))
We have a very special independent children's bookshop in Mpls., you would ADORE it!
It is called The Wild Rumpus...they have a separate door for the wee ones, and it holds a menagerie of kitties, chickens, and many other creatures the kids (and big kids) can pet and read with or to! :) I should take some good photos and post them....
And your sweet angel wings are beautiful....
Much love to you,
- Irina
GOOD MORNING GORGEOUS ONE!
ReplyDeleteI saw that you popped on over for a visit! I hope that your week is mellow and lovely; it is so cold here, but that is OK, for I LOVE the cold weather. Boots, scarves, TEA and MORE TEA is right up my ally!
All is well here. I am hoping to spend some time this weekend drawing a new Valentine's design. I better hurry for before I know it, the day will be here and over!
Off to school I go today and the rest of the week. LOVE TO YOU! Anita
Marcia, this was one of my favorite spots in Paris. It is every bit as wonderful as what you imagine from the pictures and I hope one day you will see it for yourself. Thanks for bringing back some lovely memories for me!
ReplyDeleteOh wow, this is incredible!!! and I adore those angel wing tags--they're amazing!!!!
ReplyDeleteXO
Cindy
Hey - just wanted you to know that I mentioned your blog in my Pink Saturday post today. Hope all is well w/you - Jenn
ReplyDeleteOh Marcia, how do you come up with such neat tags? I love your wings - so clever and cool!
ReplyDeleteMarcia, I could stay in this shop forever, with the "angels" Love your blog and shop! I am now a follower and look forward to stopping in again. xo Pam
ReplyDeleteOh my darling one! THANK YOU FOR COMING BY CASTLES! Go to Nowhere if you can. I have decided that I need to concentrate on drawing. I thank you so much for your encouragement and it seems as if my journey is taking me on some interesting paths. This is all we can ever hope for, to make a DIFFERENCE. THANK YOU DEAR ONE. Anita
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post about Shakespeare & Co. The first time I was in Paris we were (mistakenly) told that the bookstore was near Montmartre and got hopelessly lost trying to find it. Something that was rectified on a subsequent trip! I love all of the aspects of your blog and find it just as much fun as roaming around antique shops where there are treasures in every little nook. (BTW, my daughter and I also love "You've Got Mail")
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely evening,
Robin